San Juan, Puerto Rico – Tropical Storm Beryl has rapidly formed in the Atlantic east of the Windward Islands, potentially intensifying into Hurricane Beryl by Sunday as it tracks westward, according to the National Hurricane Center. This development marks the second named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, with Beryl officially being designated a tropical storm about 1,100 miles southeast of the Windward Islands at the eastern edge of the Caribbean region.

With sustained winds reaching 40 mph and moving at 18 mph, Beryl is anticipated to reach hurricane status by Sunday afternoon. Expected to pass over the Windward Islands late Sunday and Monday morning, Beryl poses risks of heavy rainfall, hurricane-force winds, storm surges, and hazardous waves. Watches for hurricanes and tropical storms are likely to be issued for portions of the Windward and southern Leeward Islands on Saturday.

Barbados and neighboring islands are in the projected path of Beryl, with anticipated rainfall of 3-6 inches and potential localized flooding in vulnerable areas, alongside hazardous surf and rip currents. Scheduled reconnaissance flights by hurricane hunter aircraft are planned for Sunday to investigate the storm’s development.

Forecasts predict that as Beryl enters the Caribbean Sea by Sunday evening, its winds could accelerate to speeds of up to 105 mph. Although atmospheric conditions typically present obstacles to storm intensification in June, some computer models suggest the possibility of Beryl becoming a major hurricane before reaching the Windward Islands.

The storm’s trajectory beyond entering the Caribbean remains uncertain, with varying forecast models indicating potential paths that may impact the western half of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, or eastern Cuba in the following days. The arrival of Tropical Storm Beryl comes on the heels of Tropical Storm Alberto causing extensive flooding in northeastern Mexico, resulting in casualties and significant damage.

Furthermore, a low-pressure system in the northwestern Caribbean is expected to move over the Yucatan Peninsula and enter the Bay of Campeche. Simultaneously, a tropical wave in the central Atlantic may develop as it moves westward. Given the likelihood of an active hurricane season, authorities are urging preparedness and vigilance to mitigate potential risks associated with tropical storms and hurricanes.